Treating Brontophobia, The Fear Of Lightning and Thunder With Hypnosis

Brontophobia is a common fear that thousands of people everywhere have; the fear of thunderstorms. For as long as this phobia has been around, we have been seeking out ways to overcome it. Today, there are numerous treatment selections in use. To help overcome this phobia, experts recommend specific hypnosis techniques that are shown successful in dissipating anxiety and fears.

Brontophobia sufferers have an overblown fear of storms. Loud, booming thunder and cracks of lightning can set off nervousness and anxiety attacks in brontophobia sufferers. Other symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, perspiring, and a strong sensation of fear, to the point where a person feels sick.

The fear of thunderstorms starts early for many, when as kids, we shiver under blankets during a serious storm. The phobia can be particularly overwhelming for children. Many scared children feel powerless during a thunderstorm, and their mothers and fathers often feel unable to help them cope with their anxieties.

Despite its common occurrence in small kids, the fear of storms can develop at any time, often after a person has an unpleasant experience such as getting a static shock, which recalls a flash of lightning. A traumatic experience such as living through a tropical storm can also create a fear of thunder and lightning.

A person may come to associate loud noises, the sensation of pain, or shock with storms, which can result in a major phobia. Brontophobia is so widespread that it's even apparent in many animals; for example, many people report that their pet dogs seem upset in thundering.

Phobia sufferers try to avoid hearing or seeing storms. They may experience nervous breakdowns during natural disasters such as floods. This can be harmful to them if they cannot function under circumstances which calls for them to stay calm and respond decisively.

Phobia sufferers usually despise storm season, often struggling in summer when storms occur frequently. They might continually check weather forecasts and behave extra cautiously during bouts of inclement weather. To others, these actions may seem extreme and paranoid. People with brontophobia may find this fear gradually taking over their lives.

A wide range of options are available for treating brontophobia and other phobias. Popular ones include counseling, anti-anxiety medication, and hypnosis. Hypnosis tends to provide safer, faster results and it is also non-invasive, having no negative side effects. For these reasons, hypnosis is a a popular therapy.

Hypnotherapy is highly effective as a form of stress-relief therapy and has traditionally been used for its healing properties. By beginning with stress-relief techniques, hypnosis helps tense, anxious individuals with phobias initiate the process of healing. When someone is feeling relaxed, it is easier for hypnosis techniques to guide the unconscious into a phobia-free thought process.

Most phobias are connected to negative triggers, which become linked to fear deep within the unconscious mind. For brontophobia sufferers, the loud rumble of thunder, the blinding flash of lightning, or even the smell of rain often triggers a deep fear. Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) work at the unconscious level of the mind to disconnect fear from these triggers to bring powerful phobia relief. One of the most successful techniques is known as the NLP Visual/Kinesthetic Disassociation.

Ericksonian hypnosis is a form of hypnosis that is frequently used to treat fear-related stress. Named after pioneering developer, Dr. Milton Erickson, MD, this form of therapy uses indirect suggestions embedded in metaphors, stories, and conversation to cure a phobia. Indirect suggestions work better than traditional direct suggestions because we tend to question, resist, and reject being told what to do. Suggestions which are hidden from the conscious mind are much better able to empower people to overcome their phobias.

NLP techniques and Ericksonian hypnosis have another benefit over conventional hypnosis programs because they are formulated to work for any phobia. Thus, one program is usable for curing any phobia, or even several phobias if necessary. Additionally, each program includes a variety of techniques to work for everyone.

For many people, hypnosis is an ideal treatment choice, which delivers quick and long-lasting results. Shivering in bed and feeling scared is not the way a brontophobia sufferer should have to live. Using hypnosis and NLP techniques, virtually anyone can overcome this serious phobia.